Cars > mvlgomer’s Garage > “Rockhopper”
Comments on this car
Challenges
Challenges W: 0 L: 0
1979 Ford E-250 Quadravan (Rockhopper)
Last updated Nov 9, 2007
- 4,331 views
- comment
- forward car
- add to coolbox
About
An original "Pathfinder" 4x4 conversion with a full body swap. I owned this truck for 3 months before I could legally drive it on the street. Because of the body swap (body is classified as an "essential" part) and emissions reg's, Illinois Sec. of State had to inspect it and assign a new V.I.N. for the merged title. There are actually 3 legitimate V.I.N. numbers on this truck, & the one that counts is only 12 digits starting with ILL for Illinois and ending with SOS for Sec. of State. The insurance company was really confused! At nearly 7500lbs actual weight (I CAT scaled it), in 2-wheel drive it will still squeal the 33" all-terrain tires down the block and recently got rubber shifting from 2nd to 3rd! (The C-6 transmission is a 3 speed!) I'm hoping to get it set up right to be able to spin all 4 from a stop on dry pavement. On the down side, it only gets about 8MPG and doesn't like anything but 93 Octane. Back on the up-side, it will pull a school at 80MPH and still get 8MPG! Also, with the straight-axle set up, it doesn't suffer from the wandering front end that is typical of Ford full-size vans.
Specs
460cid engine, 670 Holley Street Avenger carb, dual exhaust, Dana 44 front differential, Dana 60 rear differential, C-6 Transmission, 4" suspension lift, 33"x12.50"x16.5" tires on American Racing 5-slot aluminum mags
Factory Options
Original factory auth. 4x4 conversion by Pathfinder Equipment Company of California.
Mods
1986 conversion van body with factory power windows & locks, rear heat & A/C (134a), custom design aluminum side steps (not shown in photo) Planning dual snorkeled cold air intake & stainless angled stacks frenched into the body through the bay windows. I could use some tips or suggestions for making either of these work. (No "made" cold air intake available for carb. vehicles, injected only, so it has to be fully custom.)
Browse Related Cars: van, 4x4, ford, truck
Permanent Link to this Car
Cars > mvlgomer’s Garage > “Rockhopper”




